Effect of maximal exercise testing on ankle brachial index among normal and obese asymptomatic adults

Abstract

Background: Peripheral arterial disease is associated with high mortality secondary to cardiovascular  events. .ABI is an easy and cost efficient method to check for PAD. ABI has been used to  predict  adverse cardiovascular events individualistic of  the conventional CV risk factors and mortality rate .Obesity usually is observed in PAD patients, as obese individuals present a rise in workload at the time of physical activity, leading to reduce walking capacity and low exercise tolerance.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of maximal exercise testing on cardio respiratory fitness among normal, overweight and obese asymptomatic adults.

Method: 60 Asymptomatic adults of different BMI, were divided in 4 groups(15 in each group) according to their BMI by using Stratified random sampling. Participants who were asymptomatic were included in the study. The participates were made to perform 20m multistage fitness stage test, prior to the test vitals were checked and noted , post test immediately vitals were taken and ABI and VO₂max were noted. 

Result: ABI  and VO₂ max in group D was slightly reduced post testing as compared to the other groups. Significant difference were seen in between group B and D.

Conclusion: Maximal exercise testing can be used as a simple procedure to identify individuals who are asymptomatic of ny symptoms of PAD at rest and have a normal ABI at rest, irrespective of the BMI.